“In the discussion group “Women in Academia” which was facilitated by Laura Desveaux and me, participants discussed some key issues of interest relating to the experiences of women in academia. These include women’s perspectives on managing their academic career with family life, periodic mental health checks, coping mechanisms and perceived systemic injustices against women. The goal was not to offer unsolicited advice or to suggest solutions to existing challenges but to speak out, listen to the perspectives of others and be heard. My impression is that participants could relate to this goal, engendering moments when the session served as a safe space for participants to bare their minds on personal and academic-related matters. It was a pleasure to give and receive warm and reassuring virtual hugs, and it’s great for women to know they are not alone! I applaud the organizers of the DMCA (a pleasure for me to be on the organising team) for this laudable feat! I look forward to more DMCA conferences in the near future!”
Eniola Boluwaduro
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